Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I understand that before the G7 Summit gets underway tomorrow, Japan-U.S. and Japan-U.K. summit meetings will be held this evening. Have the times of the meetings been finalized?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, with regard to the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, we are now arranging to have the meeting from 9:30 PM this evening. At the meeting, before the G7 Ise-Shima Summit is held, the two leaders will discuss wide-ranging issues, including Japan-U.S. relations, the regional situation, global issues, and the world economy. This is the plan that is currently being finalized.

REPORTER: I have a related question. During the meeting with President Barack Obama, in connection with the recent incident in Okinawa, will the Prime Minister be requesting the United States to ensure the enforcement of official discipline and the prevention of similar incidents?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government fully recognizes the seriousness and gravity of the recent incident in Okinawa. I believe Prime Minister Abe will request to President Obama that the United States take rigorous responses bearing in mind the thoughts of the Japanese people.

REPORTER: My question is in relation to the Summit. The Summit will commence tomorrow. As the G7 President, can you once again explain what hopes Japan has for the summit and what outcomes Japan expects to achieve?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Summit will finally start tomorrow. We expect that the leading theme of the Summit will be economic measures in light of the current situation of the world economy. I have high expectations for the role of Japan as the G7 President. I anticipate that as the President, Japan will hold in-depth discussions with the other countries and demonstrate leadership by sending a clear message that contributes to the sustainable and dynamic growth of the world economy. Additionally, candid discussions will take place regarding political and diplomatic issues, such as the situation in North Korea and terrorism, as well as the various challenges facing the world, such as climate change and development issues, and the issues where Japan has shown leadership, including the “society in which women shine,” quality infrastructure, and global health. The Summit is being held in Asia for the first time in eight years. In this regard, frank discussions will also take place on the situation in the Asia-Pacific. I expect that Japan will demonstrate leadership by issuing a clear message to the international community.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I understand that the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) communicated its wishes to the U.S. Government that President Obama also offer a wreath to the Monument in Memory of the Korean Victims of the A-bomb when the President visits Hiroshima. Has the ROK Government made any contact with the Japanese Government regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not been informed that the ROK Government contacted the Japanese Government regarding this. I am not aware of this.